Spain and Georgia will face off in the Round of 16 of the 2024 European Championship on Sunday, June 30th at Rhein-Energie Stadion.
Match Preview
Spain, the Group B winners, will be heavily favored against the surprise package Georgia, who qualified for the knockout stages for the first time in their history after a stunning upset of Portugal in the group phase.
Spain cruised through the group stage, winning all three of their matches without conceding a single goal.
Led by manager Luis de la Fuente, La Roja are aiming to win their third European Championship title, having previously triumphed in 2008 and 2012.
Key players for Spain include midfield maestro Pedri, striker Alvaro Morata, and the versatile Nico Williams.
Spain have reached the knockout rounds in each of the last seven major tournaments, though they suffered a Round of 16 exit at the 2022 World Cup.
Georgia’s qualification for the Euro 2024 knockout stages is a historic achievement for the nation.
Managed by Willy Sagnol, the Crusaders pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament so far by defeating reigning European champions Portugal in the group phase.
Standout performers for Georgia include winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and striker Georges Mikautadze, who is the current top scorer at the Euros.
This is Georgia’s first ever appearance in the final stages of a major international tournament.
Spain won all three of their group stage matches, defeating Italy 1-0, Croatia 3-0, and Albania 1-0. They have yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
In their most recent match, a much-changed Spanish side beat Albania 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Ferran Torres.
Georgia finished second in Group F behind Portugal, securing qualification with a stunning 2-0 victory over Portugal. Kvaratskhelia and Mikautadze scored the goals in that famous win.
Prior to that, Georgia had drawn 1-1 with Czech Republic and lost 3-1 to Turkey in the group stage.
Head-to-Head
Spain and Georgia have met seven times previously, with Spain winning six of those encounters.
The most recent matches came in qualifying for Euro 2024, where Spain won 7-1 away and 3-1 at home.
Georgia’s only victory over Spain came in a 2016 friendly match, when they won 1-0.
Injury and Suspension
Spain have no new injury concerns, with Rodri returning from suspension. Georgia will welcome back Anzor Mekvabishvili after he served a one-match ban.
Prediction
Despite Georgia’s impressive run to the knockout stages, Spain should have too much quality and experience for the underdogs.
Luis de la Fuente’s side are yet to concede a goal in the tournament and should have enough to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory and progress to the quarterfinals.
Betting Tips
Match Result: Spain to win (1.25)
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 goals (1.75)
Both Teams to Score: No (1.50)
Handicap: Spain -1.5 (1.60)
Spain are the overwhelming favorites to win this match and should have little trouble dispatching the tournament debutants Georgia.
While Georgia have shown they can pull off shock results, Spain’s defensive solidity and attacking firepower should be too much for them to handle. Backing Spain to win comfortably with a clean sheet looks the safest bet.